FG to engage 40, 000 Nigerians as special constables to help end terrorism

As part of ways in combating violence, terrorism, cultism and crime in the country, the Federal Government is set to employ 40, 000 Nigerians as special constables to assist the Nigerian police in tackling crime in communities across all states.

Technical Adviser to the Inspector General of Police, Olu Ogunsakin made this known to The Guardian during the Nigeria Police Community Relation Committee, (PCRC), Lagos State Command Biennial Conference in collaboration with the Nigeria Policing Programme.

Ogunsakin who has been on a series of meetings in Lagos with all the Assistant Inspector Generals of Police to seek solutions to curb the continuous violence, terrorism attacks and cultism in Lagos and the country at large, said the new strategy is part of the community policing programme to engage community members in the police operations.

He said the federal government will employ 40, 000 civilians while the police will be responsible for their training.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, “Community Policing, A Veritable Partnership for a Safer Society – The PCRC Connection,” Chairman, Police Community Relations Committee, Sowemimo Kehinde said the committee will ensure effective workshops and trainings of the selected volunteers to help curb the menace of criminal activities in the state whilst urging youths to eschew crime.

Special Adviser to the President on Conflict Resolution and Matters Related with Terrorism, Ladi Thompson, said the nation, with a population of 200 million people, requires more policing if the country must address the issue of terrorism.